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Thursday, June 23, 2016

Findlay Market Cincinnati

Even on a Sunday afternoon, the Findlay Market located in Cincinnati's Over-the-Rhine neighborhood is booming with activity. As Ohio's oldest public market (having been established in 1852), the Market shows no signs of slowing down. With the brightly colored Italian-style architecture, you'll immediately feel in a cheerful mood, ready to explore the Market head on!

On a recent visit, the hustle and bustle was in full force. Red picnic tables were overflowing with folks eating lunch, drinking local craft brews, and enjoying live music in the beer garden. Hundreds of people were perusing food and retail vendors located in both indoor and outdoor booths.

There are over 40 full-time vendors, and an additional 50 pop-up vendors on the weekends, offering a mix of grocery, prepared foods, and related goods. This is where local restaurants come to get their meats, local breweries come to get their spices, and the general public come to stock their pantries.

With 1.2 million visitors a year, the Findlay Market is the fifth most visited place in Cincinnati. It is also known to be the most diverse spot in city as far as careers, income, and background of vendors and patrons alike.

The Findlay Market has served as the launching pad for larger success stories, including Taste of Belgium, an eatery offering waffles and other Belgian inspired dishes that started at Findlay Market in 2007, and has since expanded to four additional locations (including one in Columbus).

Urbana Cafe is another example of a business that began in Findlay Market and has grown over the years. You can't miss the periwinkle-colored classic utility motorcycle fashioned into a mobile coffee shop, often appearing outside near the pop-up tents of the Market. Known to serve "coffee with a purpose," Urbana Cafe is an experience in and of itself!

With so many vendors to check out, I could go on and on. But, I will save you from that and simply give you a few top picks in addition to those mentioned above:

Zinncinnati: Flowers and decor

Mr. Kofinas: Infused olive oils

Pho Lang Thang: Vietnamese pho done right

Fireside Pizza: Oven baked pizzas - my weakness!

DIRT: A Modern Market: Veggies, fruits, cheese, and meats all in one shop.